Dear Parent/Guardian:

We are off to a very good start at Troy High School and look forward to building on that for another successful school year. We are very proud of the fact that with the hard work from faculty and students, and the support of parents and administration, we continue to meet our goals and move our school forward as we continue to be recognized as a “School in Good Standing.” We are committed as a school community to continue this progress.

By now, students should be well informed of their teachers’ expectations, as well as building expectations as outlined in the Code of Conduct that is found on the district website: www.troycsd.org. The Code of Conduct verification sheets were included in our August mailing and have been collected verifying expectations in our building. Overall, we are quite pleased with the students’ cooperation this far. Safety and security remain a priority for us at Troy High School and we continue to need your support to help ensure a safe, orderly environment, where all students can be successful. We ask that you please remind your son/daughter that cell phones, headphones, earbuds and other electronic devices are not allowed during the school day. If, for some reason, a student needs to bring these items to school, he or she should secure them in a locked locker for the day.

Also, you should have received a letter that contained your user name and password which you will need to gain access to our “Parent Portal.” We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to access certain aspects of your child’s school information via a parent portal through the district’s student management system. The eSchoolData Parent Portal is a cutting-edge communications tool designed to increase involvement in your child’s education using the power of information. The eSchoolData Parent Portal allows for instant online access to current and relevant information that will enhance your involvement in your child’s academic career.

We understand that throughout the school year, some concerns and issues will arise. When they do, please utilize all the school resources that are available including your child’s teachers, guidance counselor, and grade-level administrator. We encourage you to call or come in as often as necessary to have your concerns and questions addressed. Once again, we need to work together to ensure the success of all of our students. The research is clear, with consistent communication and effective partnerships between school and home, chances for student success are greatly increased.

Please remember our Parent Conferences on November 14th from 5-8 PM and November 15th from 1-3 PM, at which time we will distribute report cards and afford you the opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers and guidance counselor. This is yet another opportunity to improve the communication between home and school, so please join us. Details about these conferences are included in this newsletter.

Once again, we are pleased with the start we’ve had and we look forward to another great school year.

Joseph F. Mariano, Jr.

Executive Principal

On November 8, 2019 we will conduct our annual Early Release Drill at Troy High School which is required by state law. The drill requires that students be dismissed 15 minutes earlier than normal.

Time Schedule for November 8, 2019

Periods 1- 8: Remain the same

Period 9: 2:35 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

**Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.**

Grade 9 & 11 - Dr. Casey Parker, Building Administrator

Grade 10 & 12 - Mr. Matthew Robinson, Assistant Principal

November 8 - Early Release Drill - Dismissal at 3:00 p.m.

November 11 - Veteran's Day - District Closed

November 14 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 5-8 p.m.

November 15 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1-3 p.m.

November 15 & 16 - THS Fall Play - 7:30 p.m.

November 27 - Teacher Comp Day - 1/2 Day for Teachers/Students

November 28 & 29 - Thanksgiving Recess - District Closed

December 4 - THS Winter Concert 7:30 p.m.

December 11 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

December 23-31- Holiday Recess - No School

December 25 - Christmas Day - District Closed

January 1 - New Year's Day - District Closed

January 2 & 3 - Holiday Recess - No School

January 6 - Classes Resume

January 15 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - District Closed

January 30 - THS Parent/Teacher Conferences 5-8 p.m.

January 31 - THS Parent/Teacher Conferences 1-3 p.m.

February 5 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

February 12 - THS Pops Concert - 7:30 p.m.

March 4 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

March 20 - Professional Development - No School

April 1 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

April 3 & 4 - THS Spring Musical - 7:30 p.m.

May 6 - Early Release - 1:15 p.m. Dismissal

May 20 - THS Senior Class Night - 7:00 p.m.

May 22 - Teacher Comp Day - No School

May 27 - THS Spring Concert - 7:30 p.m.

June 26 - Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal at HVCC - 8:30 a.m.

June 28 - Graduation at HVCC - 1:00 p.m.

3/19 - Junior/Senior Blood Drive - 8:30-1:30 pm (Girls' Gym)

3/25 - Sophomore Class Ring Presentation - 9:20-10:00 am (Cafeteria)

4/21 - Sophomore/Junior Class Ring Orders - 5:00-6:00 pm (Cafeteria)

4/22 - Senior Class Announcements - 8:30-12:30 pm (Main Lobby)

4/29 - Sophomore/Junior Class Ring Orders - 11:30-12:00 pm (Main Lobby)

5/2 - (Saturday) Junior Prom at Franklin Terrace Ballroom - 7:00-11:00 pm

5/19 - Senior Cap & Gown Distribution - 9:15-10:45 am (Cafeteria)

5/20 - Senior Class Night - 7:00-9:30 pm (TMS Auditorium)

5/21 - Senior Breakfast - 9:00-11:30 am (Cafeteria)

5/21 - Junior Class Award Ceremony - 1:30-2:30 pm (Library)

6/13 (Saturday) - Senior Prom at Hilton Garden Inn - 7:00-11:00 pm

6/19 - Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal at HVCC - 8:30-11:30 am

6/28 (Sunday) - Graduation at HVCC - 1:00 pm

Amy Jones, Advisor

It has been a busy and exciting school opening for THS Student Council. Our officers have been involved in planning and preparing for Homecoming 2019! Student officers for 2019-2020 are: Brianna Nagengast-President, Lauren McElligot-Vice President, Kiya Nurse-Secretary, Karley Duda and Madison Rifenberick-Treasurer.

Homecoming weekend events started with rehearsal with the Court and their escorts at the athletic track of the football field. The Senior Court was presented at half time of the Varsity football game. The Court consisted of Abby Burns, Grace Collins, Sophia DiNova, Karley Duda, Yoaliz Lind and Maddy Rifenberick. The class of 2018 Queen, Juliana Valenti, returned and crowned Grace Collins our new Queen!

The Homecoming Dance took place the following evening on September 28, 2019. Mr. Mostransky provided the student body with three hours of music and dancing and the new Homecoming Court was tapped at the dance. The theme of the dance was “Outer-Space” and the gym was decorated accordingly by “Party with Mia.” Ten juniors were selected by THS faculty on the basis of leadership, scholarship, proper behavior and commitment to school and community. The ten from the Class of 2021 are: Jenalyse Alarcon, Molly Bisceglia, Alyssa Bruno, Skylar Burns, Mariana Grande, Marianna Jerian, Clarissa LaMora, Riley Lyons, Rachel Malek, Kayla McNall.

The junior class voted on September 10 for six of the ten and the following were chosen and tapped to be the new Homecoming Court: Jenalyse Alarcon, Alyssa Bruno, Skylar Burns, Mariana Grande, Rachel Malek and Kayla McNall. Congratulations to all of the girls who participated and were involved with the events.

James Canfield, Director - canfieldja@troycsd.org

Lauren Bristol, Counselor - bristoll@troycsd.org

Christine Dauphinais, Counselor - dauphinaisc@troycsd.org

Heather Gelatt, Counselor - gelatth@troycsd.org

Colleen O'Flaherty, Counselor - oflahertyc@troycsd.org

Ryan Meikle, Counselor/Sponsor-A-Scholar - meikler@troycsd.org

Bruce Margolis, Student Assistance Counselor - margolisb@troycsd.org

Danielle Lafore Neri, Social Worker - lafored@troycsd.org

Charles Riccio, Sunset School Counselor - riccioc@troycsd.org

Ron Sousa, Sunset School Counselor - sousar@troycsd.org

We encourage parents to use e-mail for more immediate access to the counselors. Also,

if you have an e-mail address, please let the counselors know so they can put it in their system.

December 7, Registration Date - November 8

March 14, Registration Date - February 14

May 2, Registration Date - April 3

June 6, Registration Date - May 8

ACT Test Dates

December 14, Registration Date - November 8

June 13, Registration Date - May 8

We are asking for families to take a very active role in assisting their sons/daughters as they navigate through the college admission process. We have developed the information that follows as a reminder and checklist for you. Your involvement is needed and we appreciate your cooperation.

Remember to take your SAT / ACT tests in the fall if you are not happy with your scores from your Junior year. Be sure to put the proper codes for Troy High on the application. (THS CEEB Code 335617)

Remember to ask two teachers to do recommendations for you. Ask them to make a general

recommendation, not for a particular college, and ask them to give a copy to your counselor. If you ask someone from outside Troy High for a recommendation, remember to have them send a copy to your counselor.

Make an Activities List that will be sent along with your college and scholarship applications.

Give your activities list to teachers and counselor writing your letters of

recommendation.

Begin to work on your college essay (if the college requires it). Helpful hints are on the District website.

Create a Common App account at www.commonapp.org. See your counselor to help match

Common App and Student Naviance. You should also begin filling out your 2020-2021 FAFSA.

Keep your school counselor informed about where you have applied so your official

documentation can be sent.

Remember to meet with or e-mail your counselor with questions. It is better to ask a question before you possibly make a mistake that could jeopardize your admissions. Counselor emails can be found on the THS website.

Give the counselor a minimum of one week to work on your application material before the due date or you run the risk of not having your material reach the college on time.

Carefully check for Early Action and Early Decision dates as well as all application deadlines.

If you are considering one of these options, stop and see your counselor as soon as possible.

Try to have all your applications completed, regardless of the due date, a week before the

winter recess in December.

If you will be applying to HVCC, we will conduct an Instant Admit Day in the Guidance Office

on November 19, 20 and 21. Students will fill out applications in their English class and be

scheduled for an appointment with an admissions representative.

For assistance completing the online Financial Aid forms (FAFSA/TAP) for college help will be available on Saturday, November 16th at HVCC in the Guenther Enrollment Services Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Guidance to make an appointment.

Hudson Valley Community College admissions staff will be visiting Troy High School to conduct Same Day Admission on November 19, 20 and 21. Any senior who wishes to apply to Hudson Valley will be invited to set up an appointment with a staff member. At the end of the student’s individual meeting, he/she will receive an acceptance into one of HVCC’s programs. HVCC will waive application fees for all students who register at that time. We encourage students who are using Hudson Valley as their first choice and those who are using it as their back-up financial or academic choice to meet with the staff on those days.

Instant Admit Day – TBD - See your counselor for an application.

Counselors have been meeting with the seniors to assist them with post-graduate planning. Students should stop in and see their counselor to review college application procedures and to have any questions answered about standardized testing (SAT’s, ACT’s). Also, students should make plans to visit the various Open Houses that are held periodically at many colleges during the fall.

Any student who is interested in a career in the military service should take the opportunity to meet with the recruiters who periodically visit our school during lunch periods.

Mrs. Colleen O’Flaherty and Mrs. Meghan Spring, Co-Advisors

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year!

National Honor Society Officers are:

President: Percy Edwards

Vice-President: Sophia DiNova

Treasurer: Charlie Stockwell

Recording Secretary: Grace Collins

Corresponding Secretary: Kiya Nurse

Historian: Abby Burns

NHS activities will include tutoring, community service projects, supporting the Booster Club

as well as fundraising.

To be selected for membership in the National Honor Society, students must have an overall average of 90% or higher and demonstrate scholarship, leadership, service and good citizenship both in school and the community. Students are inducted in 11th grade at a special ceremony held in the spring.

French Club would like to extend a warm welcome back to school and we are looking forward to a truly great year. French Club has already begun to plan some fabulous activities for the year. THS Francophiles are most excited about our upcoming trip to Quebec for the winter carnival over February break. We will be attending the winter carnival in Quebec City, the largest winter carnival in the world. Students will be participating in some amazing adventures such as dogsledding and snow tubing, as well as visiting many historic places and learning about the history and culture of our neighbors to the north. Students will get a chance to go to a sugar shack where they will participate in traditional Quebecois music and dancing. Students are practicing their French travel vocabulary and we are all getting ready to say Bon Voyage Troy High! There is still time to sign up for the trip if you are interested. The trip is open to all Troy High students; you do not have to be a member of French Club to attend. Please contact Advisor Diane McGrath at mcgrath@troycsd.org for more information.

French Club has also teamed up with Italian Club to plan a joint trip to London, Paris, and Rome over April Break 2021. There will be informational meetings held about this trip in November. Information on meeting dates and times will be sent home with students shortly. Again, this trip is open to all Troy High students.

We have elected our French Club officers for the year. The officers for the 2019-2020 school year are as follows:

President: Rachel Malek

Vice President: Lila Fronhofer

Secretary: Casey Poland

Treasurer: Kayla McNall

Publicity: Zoey Stachowicz

We will have many more cultural activities throughout the year. To fund all of these great activities, French Club is holding various fundraisers. Right now, students are selling delicious chocolate bars and cheesecakes. Indulge your sweet tooth and help the club at the same time! Order cheesecakes now and have them for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you would like a cheesecake or would like to help with fundraising, please contact Ms. McGrath at mcgrathd@troycsd.org. Thank you to everyone who has helped and contributed to French Club activities throughout the years. We could not do it without you! Merci beaucoup!

Maria Nielsen, Advisor

Ciao! The Italian Club is proud to announce their 2019-2020 officers:

President: Marisa Swider

Vice President; Rebecca Leonard

Secretary: Marianna Jerian

Treasurer: Madison Rifenberick

Congratulazioni!

Upcoming Events: Troy Turkey Trot, Fund Raising (TBA), Bake Sales, Italian Club t-shirt sale (TBA)

The Spanish Club is proud to announce the 2019-2020 officers: Co-Presidents – Caitlyn Dinardo and Andrea Ordoñez, Co-Vice Presidenst: Alexis Nash and Brianna Nagengast-McHale , Co-Secretaries – Theodore Efstathiadis and Lauren McElligott, and Co-Treasurers – Amber Fisher and Priscilla Beristain . ¡Felicidades! Congratulations!

This year the Spanish Club is planning a tour of Puerto Rico over February break of next year (2021). We are selling holiday gifts through the end of November and plan to volunteer at the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. If you are interested in joining the Spanish Club, please see Mrs. Gargano in room 356.

Mr. Baitinger’s students have learned the proper use of drafting tools including T-squares, triangles, scales, and templates to make drawings by hand. Completed drawings include geometric patterns and simple 2-dimensional objects. Students have begun using the AutoCAD computer program for creating drawings on the computer. They are learning the basic drawing commands in AutoCAD and will begin applying that knowledge to draw simple 2-dimensional drawings.

P-TECH DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION (HVCC CADD-100)

Students in Mr. Baitinger’s class began the year learning methods to draw orthographic, or 3-view, sketches of simple objects. They next have begun to learn the AutoCAD computer program. The students have become familiar with some basic AutoCAD drawing commands and are practicing those commands by drawing simple 2-D objects. The students will continue to expand their knowledge of AutoCAD commands to begin to create more complex drawings.

Students will have the opportunity in this class to earn Hudson Valley Community College credit. The curriculum the students are learning is the same being taught at HVCC. Credit will be given at the end of the spring semester. More information about course registration will be sent home later in the year.

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING

Mr. Baitinger’s students began the year by studying various engineering disciplines and preparing reports on their research which they presented to the class. This gave students a good overview of the different branches of engineering. The student’s then reviewed the steps in the engineering problem solving process and are now applying those methods to research and design catapults to launch a pumpkin. The class just tested their pumpkin launchers and are making adjustments to improve their performance.

On October 25, students participated in National Manufacturing Day activities at RPI. The students began their day with a panel discussion led by engineers from Lockheed Martin, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, GE Renewable Energy, and Simmons Machine Tool Company. The engineers answered questions about their experiences in their respective fields. The students then had the opportunity to tour engineering labs on campus and observe first-hand the cutting-edge manufacturing research taking place there. A highlight of the visit was the arrival of an Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter which the students were able to watch land on campus and then tour.

• Exploring Occupations
• Basic Electricity
• Architectural Drawing

After completing General Shop safety and proper tool usage activities, Mr. Martin’s students have now begun work on projects.

Exploring Occupations students have completed a quick review unit on measurement and are using these skills to cut parts for a bird house project. They also have been doing some career research in the computer lab

Basic Electricity classes have been learning the fundamentals of electrical theory (Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law) and have recently completed an LED light board project where they soldered together series and parallel circuits. They are now moving on to some electrician’s work by building and testing lighting and outlet circuits.

Architectural Drawing students recently competed their first major drawing, a plot plan. They have now moved on to Foundation Plans and details.

• Nov. 15 & 16 Fri. & Sat. Drama Club Fall Play - CLUE - 7:30pm TMS Auditorium
• December 8 Sunday Troy Victorian Stroll 4:30pm Downtown Troy
• December 4, Wednesday THS Winter Concert 7:30pm TMS Auditorium
• Feb 12th Wednesday THS Pop’s Concert 7:30pm TMS Auditorium
• April 3 & 4 Fri. & Sat. Drama Club Spring Musical 7:30pm TMS Auditorium
• May 27 Wednesday THS Spring Concert 7:30pm TMS Auditorium
• May 23 Wed. THS Class Night 7pm TMS Auditorium

THS music students will be participating in the Rensselaer County School Music Association All-County Music Festival to be held at Hoosick Falls High School on November 7th and 9th. Congratulations and good luck to:

Flute Ensemble

Inari Sohn

Senior Choir 10-12

Megan Bastidas, Mickayla Parrales, Gloria Parrales, Kristen Paravella, Emma Strang, Juilana Sanders, Jenalyse Alacron, Casey Poland

Junior Band 7-9

Gavin O’Connor- Clarinet

Catherine Wasula- Trumpet

Sean Meyer -Baritone Saxophone

The fall drama production will be Clue, to be held on November 15th and 16th at TMS In the Troy Veterans Memorial Theater. Auditions were recently completed and rehearsals are underway. The show will be directed by Nicholas Harbacz. Congratulations to the following students who were cast:

WADSWORTH: Gavin O’Connor

YVETTE: Amber Fisher

MISS SCARLET: Kristen Paravella

MRS. PEACOCK: Virginia Stafford

MRS. WHITE: Megan Bastidas

COLONEL MUSTARD: Christopher Becker

PROFESSOR PLUM: Dahkim Kizer

MR. GREEN: Jordan Bellini

Ensemble MEN/WOMEN

The Motorist

Delaney Morin

The Cook

Riley McQuade

Singing Telegram Girl

Lily Stachowicz

Mr. Body

Justin Bessette

The Cop

Athena Hayes

Reporter

Fazeena Barrett

FBI AGENTS/UNDERSTUDIES

Shaelyn Bates FBI

Lovell Smith FBI

Adrianna Denio FBI

Izabella Stanton FBI

Grace Groff FBI

Mrs. Ellen Kelley-Scalzi – Librarian

Ms. Peg LeRoux – Library TA

Welcome back! We look forward to another great school year here in the library. Please check out the Troy High School Library website on the Troy City School District page. You’ll find events and activities, online catalog & databases, library hints and other points of interests.

We are busy as always. All freshmen English classes had an orientation on how to navigate the library and find needed materials and information. This will help with future research, projects, and/or finding that perfect book. We are planning a Career Tasting event with Ms. Gorman's career exploration class to explore many different careers.

The library will have ongoing displays featuring monthly heritage/social themes. During September we featured National Hispanic Heritage Month. October is National Disability Awareness Month and European American Heritage Month. We also have a Troy Happenings display in the library now featuring pictures from Spirit Week, the Homecoming game and the Homecoming Dance.

We are also focusing again on Digital Citizenship with a monthly display featuring a different aspect of Digital Citizenship. September was cell phone etiquette in and outside of school. October focuses on safety on the web, featuring tips to stay safe when using the internet.

We will also focus on different genres and points of interest throughout the year.

I am looking forward to another great year here at Troy High.

Troy High School Health Office

Nicole Davin, RN & Lisa Markowski, RN

Phone: 518.328.5425

Fax: 518.271.5174

REGISTRATION: All registration must be done at Central Registration. No student may see the nurse until this is completed and the Health Office has confirmation from Central Registration that the student is cleared to continue the registration process.

INJURIES AT SCHOOL (SPORT AND NON-SPORT): In case of serious injury, parents are contacted immediately so the student is under the care of a physician as soon as possible. Parents should notify the Health Office of any unreported injuries occurring during school hours. All sports injuries must be reported to the Health Office no later than the morning after the accident. All sports injuries must be cleared by the school physician before the student can return to sport. Coaches must receive clearance from the Health Office before the student may return to sports.

MEDICATION: Parents of students on medication in school are requested to come to the Health Office before the end of the school year to PICK UP YOUR MEDICATION OR IT WILL BE DISCARDED.

CHANGES TO THE N.Y.S. HEALTH EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:

New York State requires the following Health assessments for High School Students:

· Physicals – All newly entering students and students in Grades 9 & 11

· Vision & Hearing – All newly entering students and students in Grade 11

· Scoliosis – All boys Grade 9

STUDENTS ENTERING 12TH GRADE:

Students entering 12th grade in 2018 must have either:

· 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine with the booster dose given on or after age 16

· 1 dose if your child’s first dose was given on or after age 16

SCHOOL INSURANCE: Philadelphia Insurance Companies is an insurance which covers school activities, physical education classes, interscholastic and intramural sports. It is an excess coverage policy. The policy will pay only after the parent’s insurance has been used. It is of utmost importance that the Health Office be notified as soon as possible of any school related injury so that the appropriate insurance forms are completed.

SPORTS:

Students wishing to participate in sports for the winter or spring season should hand in a completed sport approval packet for each season they participate in. The packet should be filled out and returned within the 30 day period leading up to the first day of tryouts date. Students should check that they have an updated physical on file in the health office to make sure there is an updated physical on file for them before each season. If students wish to participate in certain sports, and a vision screening is not done at the time of their physical or handed in separately, a vision screening will be done in the Health Office in order for the student to be cleared for sport.

Art Club - Don Poutre, Advisor (Room 013)

Challenger (School Newspaper) - Kevin Noonan, Advisor (Room 112)

Drama Club - Lori McAllister, Advisor (Room TMS Band Suite)

French Club - Diane McGrath, Advisor (Room 113)

Italian Club - Maria Nielsen, Advisor (Room 354)

Junior/Senior Board - Christina Buckley, Co-Advisor (Room 203)

Junior/Senior Board - Elizabeth Willson, Co-Advisor (Room 264)

Junior/ Senior Board - Caitlin Ziobrowski, Co-Advisor (Room 321)

Key Club - Rose Gorman, Advisor (Room 111)

Masterminds - Nancy Smith, Advisor (Room 233)

N.Y.S. Math Honor Society - Michael Nirsberger, Advisor (Room 311)

Music Club - Tara Higgins-Pascucci, Advisor (Room TMS Music Suite)

National Honor Society - Colleen O'Flaherty, Co-Advisor (Guidance Office)

National Honor Society - Meghan Spring, Co-Advisor (Room 226)

Robotics Club - Christopher Wolff, Advisor (Room 002)

Ski Club - Colleen Syrett, Advisor (Room 163)

Spanish Club - Jamie Gargano, Advisor (Room 356)

Student Council - Amy Jones, Advisor (Girls' Locker Room)

Students for Environmental Action - Justin Birk, Co-Advisor (Room 221)

Students for Environmental Action - Devin Robinson, Co-Advisor (Room 328)

Dardanian (Yearbook) - Adrian Cowles, Co-Advisor (Room 354)

Dardanian (Yearbook) - Emily DeViddio, Co-Advisor (Room 128)

Youth Advisory Committee - Nutrition - Ani Mooney, Advisor (Room TMS Health Office)